Category: Wildlife

Wildlife

  • World’s biggest freshwater fish is caught as mystery river beast weighing same as a GRIZZLY BEAR is hauled from water

    A local fisherman in Cambodia has captured a true river monster that scientists believe is the world’s largest freshwater fish.

    Moul Thun, 42, hooked a massive stingray that weighs 661 pounds and measures 13-feet-long, breaking the previous record of a catfish, discovered in Thailand in 2005, which clocked in at 646 pounds.

    The stingray, nicknamed ‘Boramy’ or ‘full moon’ in the Khmer language, was snagged in the Mekong River that is famous for hosting various species of large fish.

    A team of scientists from the Wonders of Mekong research project helped tag, measure and weigh the ray before it was released back into the river.

    A local fisherman in Cambodia has captured a true river monster that scientists believe is the world’s largest freshwater fish

    The tag, which blasts out an acoustic signal, will allow experts to understand the stingray’s behavior throughout the large river – it runs through China, Myanmar, Laos Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

    The device will send tracking information for the next year.

    The Mekong River is home to several species of giant freshwater fish but environmental pressures are rising.

    In particular, scientists fear a major program of dam building in recent years may be seriously disrupting spawning grounds.

    Moul Thun, 42, hooked a massive stingray that weighs 661 pounds and measures 13-feet-long

    The stingray, nicknamed ‘Boramy’ or ‘full moon’ in the Khmer language, was snagged in the Mekong River that is famous for hosting various species of large fish

    Wonders of the Mekong leader Zeb Hogan told AFP: ‘Big fish globally are endangered. They’re high-value species. They take a long time to mature. So if they’re fished before they mature, they don’t have a chance to reproduce.

    ‘A lot of these big fish are migratory, so they need large areas to survive. They’re impacted by things like habitat fragmentation from dams, obviously impacted by overfishing.

    ‘So about 70 percent of giant freshwater fish globally are threatened with extinction, and all of the Mekong species.’

    Hogan has been searching for and documenting ‘megafishes’ for nearly 20 years, traveling all over the globe with the hopes of seeing these elusive creatures for himself.

    However, much of his work has been based on stories told by local fishermen who claimed to have seen river monsters first hand – but that all changed on June 13 when the massive stingray was caught.

    A team of scientists from the Wonders of Mekong research project helped tag, measure and weigh the ray before it was released back into the river

    After Thun hooked the record-breaking fish he quickly alerted scientists who were at the river in just a few hours.

    The team scooped up the massive fish in a large tarp, drawing a crowd of people to the river, and began measuring it from its nose down to its tail.

    And the fish was placed on top of three scales to capture its weight.

    The stingray was found to be a female that was in good health, and was the same species of stingray that is commonly found throughout the Mekong.

    ‘The giant stingray is a very poorly understood fish. Its name, even its scientific name, has changed several times in the last 20 years,’ said Hogan who is also a fish biologist at the University of Nevada.

    ‘It’s found throughout Southeast Asia, but we have almost no information about it. We don’t know about its life history. We don’t know about its ecology, about its migration patterns.’

    In addition to the honor of having caught the record-breaker, the lucky fisherman was compensated at market rate, meaning he received a payment of around $600.

  • Hippos take on crocodiles for best sunbathing spot

    In the natural world, competition for prime sunbathing locations can be fierce, particularly among large mammals like hippos and their formidable rivals, crocodiles. These two species often find themselves vying for the same sun-drenched spots along riverbanks and lakeshores, where the warmth of the sun provides essential benefits for their well-being. Hippos, with their massive bodies and thick skin, require sunlight to help regulate their body temperature and to dry out their skin, which is prone to cracking if it remains too moist. Crocodiles, on the other hand, also bask in the sun to elevate their body temperature, which is crucial for their metabolism and overall health.

    The interactions between hippos and crocodiles can be quite dramatic, as both animals assert their dominance in these coveted areas. Hippos, known for their aggressive nature, can be particularly territorial, especially when it comes to protecting their young or their preferred resting spots. When a crocodile encroaches on a hippo’s sunbathing territory, the hippo may respond with a display of aggression, which can include charging at the crocodile or even attempting to bite it. This behavior is not only a demonstration of strength but also a necessary tactic to maintain their access to the sunlit areas that are vital for their survival.

    Despite their size and strength, hippos must also be cautious of crocodiles, which are skilled ambush predators. While hippos are generally more dominant in these confrontations, they are aware of the potential threat posed by crocodiles, especially when they are in the water. The dynamic between these two species highlights the intricate balance of power in their shared habitat, where the struggle for the best sunbathing spot serves as a reminder of the constant competition for resources in the wild. This ongoing rivalry not only shapes their behaviors but also influences the ecological interactions within their environment, showcasing the complexities of life in the animal kingdom.

  • ¡La madre elefante se defiende del ataque de un cocodrilo para salvar a su cachorro!

    In a remarkable display of maternal instinct and bravery, a mother elephant successfully defended her young calf from a crocodile attack. The incident unfolded near a watering hole, a common gathering spot for various wildlife. As the mother and her calf approached the water to quench their thirst, a lurking crocodile, camouflaged among the reeds, seized the opportunity to strike. The sudden movement of the predator sent ripples through the water, alerting the mother elephant to the imminent danger. With her protective instincts kicking in, she quickly positioned herself between the crocodile and her vulnerable offspring.

    The confrontation was intense, as the crocodile lunged forward, its powerful jaws snapping dangerously close to the calf. The mother elephant, undeterred by the threat, trumpeted loudly, a sound that echoed across the landscape, signaling her determination to protect her young. She charged at the crocodile, using her massive size and strength to intimidate the predator. The crocodile, realizing it was outmatched, hesitated momentarily, giving the mother elephant the crucial seconds she needed to guide her calf to safety. This fierce display of courage not only showcased the protective nature of elephants but also highlighted the constant dangers that wildlife face in their natural habitats.

    After successfully fending off the crocodile, the mother and her calf retreated to a safer distance, where they could regroup and recover from the harrowing encounter. The bond between them was palpable, as the mother gently nudged her calf, reassuring it with her presence. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by animals in the wild, where survival often hinges on the instinctual behaviors of parents. The mother elephant’s bravery not only saved her calf but also illustrated the profound connections that exist within the animal kingdom, where love and protection are paramount in the face of danger.